A Cruel, Undead World

Epilogue

Fallen City

Time after the Tervu infection outbreak: 0 Years, 1 Month, 0 Days, 10:07 A.M.

If there was still a church, the bells would toll. The ashes in the air have settled onto the dead ground. Fenced off from the public's eyes—because nobody should have to see this catastrophe. But for those who lived through this tragedy, are still in Hell. They will never be able to escape those haunting nightmares, or the memories of watching those who fought beside them die; no, they will never be the same again, no matter how hard they try—they are changed for life. You were expecting that though, weren't you?

We move away from the dead remains to Washington D.C., where many have traveled from near and far to be today. Why? Because today is the day to remember those who were lost, and the President to finally explain why this happened to another dear city. No more hiding. No more lies. We all needed to hear.

So, on the lawns of the White House, a grand party-like set up was constructed. Ironic, maybe, that the decorations were so colorful and bright for such a sad occasion. Many were already sitting, or standing and talking to those near them. No one had any idea what would be said today. Except maybe those at the farthest table, nearest to the podium where the President will later stand. On one side of that podium: the agents who risked their lives to scavenge the city; on the other side, the graven survivors. All ten showed up that day, some with more pleading than others.

None of those survivors had seen the light of day until now. While still processing what they endured, the government had to check them all. Those who were bit but miraculously survived were tested again and again, much like those who survived the T-virus and even the C-virus. Still, all of them were here today, maybe different reasons but mostly similar.

All ten either sat or stood close to or around the table.

Maja was sitting with a casted leg nearest to the podium, chatting quietly to her best friend whom sat beside her, Jodie. When they had returned, Maja learned her parents had died in the outbreak. Knowing she had Jodie, though, it didn't bother her as much as she originally thought it would. After inheriting her parents' riches, she was still grateful only for having Jodie at her side. Fiona sat on the farthest end from the podium, speaking to no one. Even those who didn't know her, somehow knew she was trouble. I wouldn't be able to live with that burden, but apparently she could, for it didn't bother her in the slightest. Phillip, and his new sister Emily, sat next to Jodie and Maja. Sometimes the four exchanged conversation. Phillip spoke little, still mourning the loss of his brother. Emily took care of him as if she grew up knowing the boy to be her brother. Jake and Jasmine sat in the middle, unspeaking but somehow gravitated toward each other. Jake found out through two other survivors that Derik Harrison didn't make it. Then he learned that Derik's last name was changed from Harris before he moved up there, making him Jake's younger brother. Depression was his first response, but he was slowly recovering. Around the same time Jake figured this out, Jasmine was notified of her parents' deaths. It crushed her, but those pessimistic thoughts from before actually saved her more heartbreak, for deep down she had already known. Rick Walker stood at the end of the table, away from Fiona but still able to be seen. The man is almost always strong, but even he can't deny this event will leave another scar on his memory. Finally, Lana and Kenny, stood behind the table. They were farther away, so they couldn't be heard. This was the first time in a while they had been able to speak to one another.

"So…what are you going to do after this?" Kenny asked her quietly. Lana held her shoulders loosely, a shawl hung from her shoulders that matched her black dress. She didn't answer, unsure what she was going to do from here.

"I haven't thought about it. I guess now that they're going to let us all go, I should figure that out…" she told him. He hesitated, then nervously asked her something.

"Well…if you don't know where to go…you could always go…with me…?"

Disbelief crossed Lana's face, and she stared at the man. He had his hands in his slacks, which he wore out of respect, and tried to avoid her gaze. Thinking to herself, she was now nervous, and didn't know how to put it.

"Kenny…I know…we've been through a lot together the past month or so…but I really don't…I really can't…" he cut her off.

"I get it. I understand." Though his voice was calm and steady, his face couldn't hide his sad disappointment. She looked into his eyes and couldn't help but lean up to the tall man and kiss his cheek.

"You will always be that person who helped me through this," she whispered in his ear. Before he could stop her, she turned and walked back to the table. After a minute or maybe longer, he trudged back too. Instead of taking the seat next to her, he sat in a place that kept a chair between them. Lana longed to break the distance and rush to him, but she knew deep down it wouldn't work. She wasn't ready for a relationship after this.

The president had arrived, standing at the podium and setting up the microphone. Rick had sat down now, in between Lana and Kenny. Everyone waited in silence for Witter to speak. He made a noise in his throat, then started his speech.

"A month ago today, the United States was injured. We were lied to about a terrible event that was happening to one of our great cities, and in its time of need we failed it. I failed it. Many were lost, in the worst way imaginable. None of us would want to see or know that a loved one was taken in such a manner. I wish with all my might, that I could take this pain and suffering, and take it all for myself to spare our country.

But I can't. America; we were betrayed by an association that has named itself Neo-Umbrella. They are the reason why we suffer, and the reason why the city of Tervu is now in ruins. I swear on my life that we will not let them get away with this. We will find them. We will bring them to justice. Now, all we can do is rebuild, and try to recover what we had lost. The scars will heal. The pain will ease. All we can do now is be thankful that those who were hurt so badly, have found peace. Thank you."

At first, the crowd was silent. Then, the clapping started and became louder.

The morning went on to afternoon, and later to evening. The ten survivors were some of those still there, paying their respects.

In the middle of all the tables was one that people were laying flowers—for those who were now deceased.

Maja hobbled over with her crutches and with a single rose in hand, set it on the table. Carefully, she wiped tears away from her face without falling. Jodie was behind her, and from close by they heard a voice.

"How have you two been holding up?" they looked over to see Rick. They saw him earlier, and even though their disbelief and curiosity was great, they decided against seeing him before.

"Well, we aren't holed up in a hospital storage room anymore," Jodie pointed out. Maja turned her body so she didn't have to crane her neck.

"How did you survive? We saw you cornered on top that building…" Maja asked. Rick smiled half-heartedly.

"It wasn't my time yet," he said simply. Secretly, he was glad to see that the two women were okay.

Near the table by the podium, Jake called out to Lana as she tried to finally leave.

"Wait…you were one of the people with my brother before he…" he tried to ask, but his throat tightened and voice faltered before he could. Lana's heart dropped.

"Yes…I was…" she confirmed sadly. "I'm sorry…" Jake shook his head.

"Just tell me…how did he…?" Lana knew what he was asking, and didn't have the heart to tell him his little brother turned into one of those awful creatures. Instead, she lied.

"Peacefully…" Jake instantly felt a little better, thanked Lana quietly, and walked away. Lana watched him leave, then noticed that Kenny was staring at her. Guilt washed over her, and she knew she could stay no more, and left.

"Emily! Phillip!" someone called. A woman revealed herself from behind the crowd to call for her two children. Emily looked down at the small, broken boy, and knelt down.

"C'mon Philli…let me show you your new home." She told him. For the first time since his brother's death, he grinned, knowing this is what his brother would have wanted. Taking her hand, she led him away toward their parents, who were waiting for them.

Jake had walked back to Jasmine, who stared solemnly at the table. Knowing what was bothering her, he stood in front of the table and looked down at her.

"At least Matt's with his family, and even Salmon and Alex are together now," he told her. She sighed and nodded, knowing it was the truth. Finally able to move, she stood slowly.

"Do you have anywhere to go?" he asked her. She shrugged; with her parents being dead and her only family being in Japan, she really didn't. "Why don't you crash with me until you can get up on your own?"

Confused, she looked up at him. "I thought you lived in Tervu?" he shook his head.

"I was staying there for a little while yeah…I had…things to do…but I have an apartment in New York. What do you say?" she gave him a partial grin, and nodded.

"Sure…I'll stay with you until I can pick myself up again…" she told him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and they walked away.

Standing off to the side, Kenny was about to head home. He was stopped by a familiar voice though. Looking back, his old captain: Chris Redfield, was approaching.

"How're you doing?" Chris asked, concern evident in his voice. Kenny shrugged, not feeling like talking. "Kenneth…have you reconsidered what you wanted to do with your life?"

Kenny thought about this.

"I have. But I can't escape what I am, and what I was supposed to do. I know now that I'm supposed to kill these damned things. I know that's what I want to do." Chris didn't answer him at first, then gave him a grin.

"I guess I can't keep trying to push you away." He held out his hand. "Welcome back aboard."

Surprised but honored, Kenny took his hand and shook it.

The evening fell away to nighttime, and everyone had finally left. What the future holds for those survivors, only they would know. But it's their future. They can choose to do what they wish.

A/N: With that, the story is officially over…you all can now resubmit your characters (read previous chapter's author notes for more details). The deadline for the resubmissions are May 30th, so try and hurry. This wouldn't have been possible without all of you, and I hope all of you return for the sequel. I would love to make this new family we have formed into an even bigger family, and make the sequel even bigger than this one was. New troubles await those in the next story. Can you survive?

Also, I would like to give a public and personal thanks to the person who has edited many of the chapters for A Cruel, Undead World: nightsky44! With her, each chapter is made perfect, and I would love for her to be my editor for the coming sequel! Thank you!

P.S: Don't forget to read Lies and Panic's epilogue, which is set as same time as this but with differences that might give you more clues on the sequel!